Isostearyl Hydroxystearate

AKA: Pelemol ISHS, Ethox ISHS, Schercemol SHS ester, 162888-05-3, Octadecanoic acid, 16-methylheptadecyl ester, ISOSTEARYL HYDROXYSTEARATE [INCI]
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as starting materials. Produced through esterification and hydrogenation of natural fatty acids and hydroxystearic acid.
Octadecanoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, 16-methyl-heptadecyl ester
Formula
C36H72O3
Mol. Weight
553.00
CAS #
162888-05-3
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off0.01–3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR